Millions of American teens ringing in the New Year as responsible, confident, successful and contributing members of their communities - what are the odds? Actually, pretty good according to Teens Today research from SADD.

A survey of more than 2,700 middle and high school students revealed that most young people have a positive sense of self: feeling good about their progress on the key developmental tasks of establishing an identity, achieving independence and building meaningful relationships with peers.

Timber theft is out of control in Kentucky. Just in Eastern Kentucky, recent cases have been reported in Harlan, Pike, Knott, Letcher, Morgan, Rockcastle, Madison and other counties.

Those most often victimized are the elderly and disabled - the ones least able to defend themselves. The expense involved in either civil or criminal cases keeps legal action from being a practical recourse for most victims.

The presidential race is certainly becoming an interesting one. Like most of America, I've watched several debates between the candidates, checked out their Web sites and read all the news stories I could find, just trying to get a handle on which of the candidates would be best for the job.

Little did I know the answer was so easy.

At www.votechooser.com, it was all there for me, presented in easy-to-read terms. All I had to do was answer 10 questions and I would learn which candidate I should vote for in 2008.

As I drove down Bardstown Road, a large yard sign caught my eye the other day - "Yes We Can" it touted in big red and blue letters. Beside it another sign - Barack Obama '08.

It's nice to see folks finding a presidential candidate that they want to support and feeling good enough about it to shout it from their front yard (via signage) to the world.

The bad thing is that by the time this poor person gets to vote in Kentucky's late May Primary, the decision for the Democratic and Republican party's contenders for the White House will likely already be decided.